There is no such thing as 'the dictionary'. Rather, there are innumerable kinds of dictionaries that respond to their authors' aspirations and their users' needs. In each case, the negotiation among a dictionary's material, its authors, and its readers tells a rich cultural story. Bringing together cutting-edge research from an international team of experts, this interdisciplinary Handbook provides an all-encompassing account of dictionaries in context. Organized into five thematic parts, its chapters cover a multitude of topics such as types of dictionaries, the place of dictionaries in intellectual, cultural and book history, and dictionaries as material objects, as well as their visual design. It also explores the role of dictionaries in a select group of special fields where words especially matter (for instance, law), the business contexts in which dictionaries are made, and finally the future of dictionaries. There is no fuller or more compelling overview of dictionaries available today.

‘An instructive, inspiring, innovative volume about dictionaries and why we need and use them, how we design, produce and sell them, and how they reflect their times – in short: a must-read for anyone interested in their past, present, and even future forms.’

Annette Klosa-Kückelhaus - Head of Lexicography Area, Leibniz Institute for the German Language, Mannheim

‘This Handbook stands out for its strikingly original take on the world of dictionaries. The range and diversity of the topics it covers - many of them barely addressed until now - makes this an enjoyable and incredibly interesting read. The book’s prevailing tone - fairly informal, and very approachable - belies the real scholarhip that underpins every chapter.’

Michael Rundell - Chief Lexicographic Officer, Lexical Computing

‘What a vast compendium! In addition to expectable chapters on the history, structure, progress, and prospects of dictionaries, this collection of essays by top-notch lexicographers brings us delightfully unexpected tidbits as well: looking backward, we learn why the 4th edition of Black’s Law Dictionary includes an entry for Boston cream pie; looking forward, we envision a time when putting a dictionary next to an exotic restaurant dish will have it pick up aromas and tell us what herbs and spices are contained!’

Joan Houston Hall - Chief Editor Emerita, Dictionary of American Regional English